Minotaur - Revision history

Ray Chason: Include the female tile

2026-05-11T23:06:27Z

Include the female tile

Umbire the Phantom: touch-ups

2025-07-02T17:36:21Z

touch-ups

Umbire the Phantom: /* Messages */ word choice

2025-04-12T23:50:05Z

‎Messages: word choice

Umbire the Phantom: /* Variants */ FIQ + some copyedit

2024-06-20T22:09:47Z

‎Variants: FIQ + some copyedit

Furey: /* Defeating minotaurs */ linkify rebound

2024-06-18T00:39:10Z

‎Defeating minotaurs: linkify rebound

Umbire the Phantom: copyedit pass

2024-06-12T14:44:22Z

copyedit pass

Furey: word choice: unlucky -> unfortunate (see https://nethackwiki.com/wiki/NetHackWiki_talk:Style_guide#Capitalization)

2024-06-10T12:42:47Z

word choice: unlucky -> unfortunate (see https://nethackwiki.com/wiki/NetHackWiki_talk:Style_guide#Capitalization)

Umbire the Phantom: /* History */ copyedit

2024-02-11T12:22:08Z

‎History: copyedit

Umbire the Phantom: /* Variants */ reorg

2024-01-14T01:59:10Z

‎Variants: reorg

Umbire the Phantom: /* dNetHack */ fix

2024-01-14T01:57:10Z

‎dNetHack: fix

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 {{monster
   |difficulty=17
   |level=15

@@ Line 37: / Line 37: @@
 Minotaurs are slightly faster than an unhasted [[hero]] at 15 [[speed]], and have a base [[AC]] of 0; their three attacks combined also have the highest damage ceiling in the game, short of the [[Riders]] themselves. They are especially deadly and notoriously difficult to fight, leading to many deaths at their hands from even experienced players. Minotaurs represent such a gigantic physical threat that there is [[Armor class#How much is enough?|an entire section]] of the article on [[armor class]] dedicated to estimating how badly a minotaur can stomp a player at a given AC threshold. If facing a minotaur, remember their ability to ignore Elbereth, be ready to employ some of the strategies listed below, and be sure to double-check inventory thoroughly when making [[Things To Do If You're Going to Die Next Turn|last-ditch efforts]] in a worst-case scenario.
-Thankfully, unless a hostile monster gets polymorphed into one, minotaurs are unlikely to be encountered until past [[Medusa's Island]], not counting the one [[Ranger]]s encounter on their quest. Minotaurs are not [[intelligent]] and cannot make use of weapons, armor or various other items, including the wand of digging they often generate with - they also have no [[Magic resistance (monster)|MR score]] and lack any intrinsic resistances, making them very vulnerable to magic and other effects. One of the quickest ways to "handle" a hostile minotaur is to use a [[scroll of taming]] or other similar item; see [[#As pets|the section below]] for more information on that. Minotaurs are also extremely susceptible to [[conflict]], which can turn their fearsome strength on other hostile monsters in the area, possibly including an unwitting summoner that generated one nearby.
+Thankfully, unless a hostile monster gets polymorphed into one, minotaurs are unlikely to be encountered until past [[Medusa's Island]], not counting the one [[Ranger]]s encounter on their quest. Minotaurs are not [[intelligent]] and cannot make use of weapons, armor or various other items, including the wand of digging they often generate with&mdash;they also have no [[Magic resistance (monster)|MR score]] and lack any intrinsic resistances, making them very vulnerable to magic and other effects. One of the quickest ways to "handle" a hostile minotaur is to use a [[scroll of taming]] or other similar item&mdash;see {{sa|As pets|the section below}} for more information on taming minotaurs. Minotaurs are also extremely susceptible to [[conflict]], which can turn their fearsome strength on other hostile monsters in the area, possibly including an unwitting summoner that generated one nearby.
 ===Defeating minotaurs===
-A very fast spellcaster should be able to keep at a safe distance and wear the minotaur down, and other roles that can reach Expert [[skill]] in [[dagger]]s and/or [[bow]]s are capable of the same - the {{spell of|jumping}} spell or [[jumping boots]] can aid you in either case, though be careful not to get backed into a corner. While any strong enough player can outdamage a minotaur in melee, it is generally a [[bad idea]] to rely on raw damage alone - a minotaur can kill even highly-armored melee characters, including [[Valkyrie]]s carrying [[the Orb of Fate]], if they are particularly unfortunate.
+A very fast spellcaster should be able to keep at a safe distance and wear the minotaur down, and other roles that can reach Expert [[skill]] in [[dagger]]s and/or [[bow]]s are capable of the same&mdash;the {{+ of|jumping}} spell or [[jumping boots]] can aid you in either case, though be careful not to get backed into a corner. While any strong enough player can outdamage a minotaur in melee, it is generally a [[bad idea]] to rely on raw damage alone: a minotaur can kill even highly-armored melee characters, including [[Valkyrie]]s carrying [[the Orb of Fate]], if they are particularly unfortunate.
-Attack wands can weaken or impair a minotaur efficiently, especially if you have a [[wand of slow monster]] to reduce its speed (and thus its damage) or a [[wand of sleep]] to immobilize it; the [[wand of lightning]] can [[blind]] the minotaur as well as damaging it, and most wands can be made more effective by [[rebound]]ing their [[ray]]s off maze walls. Minotaurs are even a worthy candidate for a [[wand of death]] or [[finger of death]] charge - be careful where you aim, as without [[magic resistance]] or [[reflection]] a rebound may inadvertently [[YASD|solve the problem harder than intended]]. If all else fails, slow monster and sleep wands can also make it easier to escape, as can a wand of digging.
+Attack wands can weaken or impair a minotaur efficiently, especially if you have a [[wand of slow monster]] to reduce its speed (and thus its damage) or a [[wand of sleep]] to immobilize it; the [[wand of lightning]] can [[blind]] the minotaur as well as damaging it, and most wands can be made more effective by [[rebound]]ing their [[ray]]s off maze walls. Minotaurs are even a worthy candidate for a [[wand of death]] charge or a {{+ of|finger of death}} charge&mdash;be careful where you aim, as without [[magic resistance]] or [[reflection]] a rebound may inadvertently [[YASD|solve the problem harder than intended]]. If all else fails, slow monster and sleep wands can also make it easier to escape, as can a wand of digging.
 Tools such as an [[expensive camera]] or a [[tooled horn]] are capable of scaring minotaurs, and the camera can additionally blind them - a blind minotaur is much less likely to hit a character, significantly increasing their chances of surviving against one. Standing on a [[scroll of scare monster]] can also keep non-blinded minotaurs away, though be sure not to have other monsters [[burn]] it away from underneath. [[Boulder]] forts and [[acid blob]] formations can reliably keep a minotaur away and grant a character time to prepare other counter-measures.
@@ Line 89: / Line 89: @@
 ==Variants==
 ===SLASH'EM===
-In [[SLASH'EM]], the minotaur [[Monsters with hits creatures as a +x weapon (SLASH'EM)|hits monsters as a +2 weapon]] and gains [[death resistance|intrinsic resistance to death magic]], removing the wand of death as an option against them.
+In [[SLASH'EM]], the minotaur [[Monsters with hits creatures as a +x weapon (SLASH'EM)|hits monsters as a +2 weapon]] and gains [[Death resistance|intrinsic resistance to death magic]], removing the wand of death as an option against them.
 ===GruntHack===

@@ Line 85: / Line 85: @@
 ==Messages==
-{{message|You notice a bovine [[smell]].|A [[shapeshifter]] or other monster has turned into a minotaur (or [[rothe]]), and you cannot see them.}}
+{{message|You notice a bovine [[smell]].|A [[shapeshifter]] or other monster has turned into a minotaur (or [[rothe]]) outside of your sight.}}
 ==Variants==

@@ Line 98: / Line 98: @@
 ===dNetHack===
-In [[dNetHack]], minotaurs are [[traitor]]ous and may turn on you. dNetHack also adds the [[minotaur priestess]], who uses clerical monster spells in lieu of claw attacks (but is still not considered intelligent).
+In [[dNetHack]], [[notdNetHack]], and [[notdNetHack]], a tame minotaur may turn [[traitor]], and the [[minotaur priestess]] is introduced as a minotaur that uses clerical monster spells in lieu of claw attacks, but is still not considered intelligent.
 A minotaur and a minotaur priestess are always generated in the [[shrouded dispensary]] inhabited by [[Illurien of the Myriad Glimpses]].
 ===EvilHack===
-In [[EvilHack]], minotaurs can send a target flying with their headbutt attacks. EvilHack also adds the elder minotaur from [[GruntHack]] and gives their heabutt attacks the same ability, along with a similar chance of generate with a wand of digging.
+In [[EvilHack]], minotaurs can inflict knockback with their headbutt attacks. EvilHack also adds the elder minotaur from [[GruntHack]] and gives their headbutt attacks the same ability, along with a similar chance of generate with a wand of digging.
 ==Monster stats by variant==

@@ Line 42: / Line 42: @@
 A very fast spellcaster should be able to keep at a safe distance and wear the minotaur down, and other roles that can reach Expert [[skill]] in [[dagger]]s and/or [[bow]]s are capable of the same - the {{spell of|jumping}} spell or [[jumping boots]] can aid you in either case, though be careful not to get backed into a corner. While any strong enough player can outdamage a minotaur in melee, it is generally a [[bad idea]] to rely on raw damage alone - a minotaur can kill even highly-armored melee characters, including [[Valkyrie]]s carrying [[the Orb of Fate]], if they are particularly unfortunate.
-Attack wands can weaken or impair a minotaur efficiently, especially if you have a [[wand of slow monster]] to reduce its speed (and thus its damage) or a [[wand of sleep]] to immobilize it; the [[wand of lightning]] can [[blind]] the minotaur as well as damaging it, and most wands can be made more effective by rebounding their [[ray]]s off maze walls. Minotaurs are even a worthy candidate for a [[wand of death]] or [[finger of death]] charge - be careful where you aim, as without [[magic resistance]] or [[reflection]] a rebound may inadvertently [[YASD|solve the problem harder than intended]]. If all else fails, slow monster and sleep wands can also make it easier to escape, as can a wand of digging.
+Attack wands can weaken or impair a minotaur efficiently, especially if you have a [[wand of slow monster]] to reduce its speed (and thus its damage) or a [[wand of sleep]] to immobilize it; the [[wand of lightning]] can [[blind]] the minotaur as well as damaging it, and most wands can be made more effective by [[rebound]]ing their [[ray]]s off maze walls. Minotaurs are even a worthy candidate for a [[wand of death]] or [[finger of death]] charge - be careful where you aim, as without [[magic resistance]] or [[reflection]] a rebound may inadvertently [[YASD|solve the problem harder than intended]]. If all else fails, slow monster and sleep wands can also make it easier to escape, as can a wand of digging.
 Tools such as an [[expensive camera]] or a [[tooled horn]] are capable of scaring minotaurs, and the camera can additionally blind them - a blind minotaur is much less likely to hit a character, significantly increasing their chances of surviving against one. Standing on a [[scroll of scare monster]] can also keep non-blinded minotaurs away, though be sure not to have other monsters [[burn]] it away from underneath. [[Boulder]] forts and [[acid blob]] formations can reliably keep a minotaur away and grant a character time to prepare other counter-measures.

@@ Line 19: / Line 19: @@
 }}
-A '''minotaur''', {{monsym|minotaur}}, is a type of [[monster]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. Minotaurs are carnivorous, humanoid [[animal]]s that are the strongest of the [[giant humanoid]] [[monster class]], and have two strong clawing attacks and a headbutt.
+A '''minotaur''', {{monsym|minotaur}}, is a type of [[monster]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. Minotaurs are carnivorous, humanoid [[animal]]s that are the strongest of the [[giant humanoid]] [[monster class]] - they are [[strong]] and endowed with horns and [[infravision]], and can be seen via infravision. Minotaurs are among the small handful of monsters that can ignore [[Elbereth]].
-Minotaurs are one of the few monsters to ignore [[Elbereth]], and are especially deadly and notoriously difficult to fight, leading to many deaths at their hands from even experienced players.
+A minotaur has two strong claw attacks and a headbutt attack.
 ==Generation==
-Minotaurs are not randomly generated; one or two minotaurs may be generated on creation of a normal floor that is a full-level [[maze]].{{refsrc|src/mkmaze.c|766|version=NetHack 3.6.7}} A [[sleeping]] minotaur is generated on the [[Ranger quest]] home level.{{refsrc|dat/Ranger.des|69|version=NetHack 3.6.7}} Two minotaurs are generated on the [[Plane of Earth]], including one in the cavern you enter from, and another appears on the [[Plane of Fire]].{{refsrc|dat/endgame.des|56|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|dat/endgame.des|103|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc|dat/endgame.des|351|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
+Minotaurs are not randomly generated; one or two minotaurs may be generated on a normal floor that contains a [[maze]] at level creation.{{refsrc|src/mkmaze.c|766|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
 Minotaurs are eligible forms for [[polymorph]], and can also be summoned by the [[summon nasties]] [[monster spell]].
-A minotaur has a {{frac|3}} chance of [[Monster starting inventory|generating with]] a [[wand of digging]]; the minotaurs on Plane of Earth are guaranteed to generate with one.{{refsrc|src/makemon.c|707|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
+A [[sleeping]] minotaur is generated on the home level of the [[Ranger quest]] at level creation.{{refsrc|dat/Ranger.des|69|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
 ==Strategy==
-Minotaurs are slightly faster than an unhasted [[hero]] at 15 [[speed]], and have a natural [[AC]] of 0; their three attacks have the highest damage ceiling in the game, short of the [[Riders]] themselves. Minotaurs represent such a gigantic physical threat that there is [[Armor class#How much is enough?|an entire section]] of the article on [[armor class]] dedicating to estimating how badly a minotaur can stomp a player at a given AC threshold. Be ready to employ some of the strategies listed below, and be sure to scan your inventory thoroughly when making [[Things To Do If You're Going to Die Next Turn|last-ditch efforts]] in a worst-case scenario.
+Minotaurs are slightly faster than an unhasted [[hero]] at 15 [[speed]], and have a base [[AC]] of 0; their three attacks combined also have the highest damage ceiling in the game, short of the [[Riders]] themselves. They are especially deadly and notoriously difficult to fight, leading to many deaths at their hands from even experienced players. Minotaurs represent such a gigantic physical threat that there is [[Armor class#How much is enough?|an entire section]] of the article on [[armor class]] dedicated to estimating how badly a minotaur can stomp a player at a given AC threshold. If facing a minotaur, remember their ability to ignore Elbereth, be ready to employ some of the strategies listed below, and be sure to double-check inventory thoroughly when making [[Things To Do If You're Going to Die Next Turn|last-ditch efforts]] in a worst-case scenario.
-Thankfully, unless a hostile monster gets a "lucky" polymorph, you likely won't encounter a minotaur until you're near or in [[Gehennom]]. As minotaurs are not [[intelligent]], they cannot make use of weapons, armor or various other items, including the wand of digging they often generate with - minotaurs also have no [[Magic resistance (monster)|monster MR]] and lack any intrinsic resistances, making them very vulnerable to magic and other effects. One of the quickest ways to "handle" a hostile minotaur is to use a [[scroll of taming]] or other similar item; see [[#As pets|the section below]] for more information on that. They are also extremely susceptible to [[conflict]], which can turn their fearsome strength on other hostile monsters in the area, possibly including an unwitting summoner that generated one next to you.
+Thankfully, unless a hostile monster gets polymorphed into one, minotaurs are unlikely to be encountered until past [[Medusa's Island]], not counting the one [[Ranger]]s encounter on their quest. Minotaurs are not [[intelligent]] and cannot make use of weapons, armor or various other items, including the wand of digging they often generate with - they also have no [[Magic resistance (monster)|MR score]] and lack any intrinsic resistances, making them very vulnerable to magic and other effects. One of the quickest ways to "handle" a hostile minotaur is to use a [[scroll of taming]] or other similar item; see [[#As pets|the section below]] for more information on that. Minotaurs are also extremely susceptible to [[conflict]], which can turn their fearsome strength on other hostile monsters in the area, possibly including an unwitting summoner that generated one nearby.
 ===Defeating minotaurs===
-A very fast spellcaster should be able to keep at a safe distance and wear the minotaur down, and other roles that can reach Expert [[skill]] in [[dagger]]s and/or [[bow]]s are capable of the same - the {{spell of|jumping}} spell or [[jumping boots]] can aid you in either case, though be careful not to get backed into a corner. While any strong enough player can theoretically outdamage a minotaur in melee, it is generally a [[bad idea]] to rely on raw damage alone - a minotaur can kill even highly-armored melee characters like [[Valkyrie]]s carrying [[the Orb of Fate]] if they are particularly unfortunate.
+A very fast spellcaster should be able to keep at a safe distance and wear the minotaur down, and other roles that can reach Expert [[skill]] in [[dagger]]s and/or [[bow]]s are capable of the same - the {{spell of|jumping}} spell or [[jumping boots]] can aid you in either case, though be careful not to get backed into a corner. While any strong enough player can outdamage a minotaur in melee, it is generally a [[bad idea]] to rely on raw damage alone - a minotaur can kill even highly-armored melee characters, including [[Valkyrie]]s carrying [[the Orb of Fate]], if they are particularly unfortunate.
-Attack wands can weaken or impair a minotaur somewhat efficiently, especially if you have a [[wand of slow monster]] to reduce its speed (and thus its damage) or a [[wand of sleep]] to immobilize it; the [[wand of lightning]] can [[blind]] the minotaur as well as damaging it, and most wands can be made more effective by rebounding their [[ray]]s off maze walls. Minotaurs are even a worthy candidate for a [[wand of death]] or [[finger of death]] charge - be careful where you aim, as without [[magic resistance]] or [[reflection]] a rebound may inadvertently [[YASD|solve the problem harder than you intended]]. If all else fails, slow monster and sleep wands can also make it easier to escape, as can a wand of digging.
+Attack wands can weaken or impair a minotaur efficiently, especially if you have a [[wand of slow monster]] to reduce its speed (and thus its damage) or a [[wand of sleep]] to immobilize it; the [[wand of lightning]] can [[blind]] the minotaur as well as damaging it, and most wands can be made more effective by rebounding their [[ray]]s off maze walls. Minotaurs are even a worthy candidate for a [[wand of death]] or [[finger of death]] charge - be careful where you aim, as without [[magic resistance]] or [[reflection]] a rebound may inadvertently [[YASD|solve the problem harder than intended]]. If all else fails, slow monster and sleep wands can also make it easier to escape, as can a wand of digging.
-Tools such as an [[expensive camera]] or a [[tooled horn]] are capable of scaring minotaurs, and the camera can additionally blind them - a blind minotaur is much less likely to hit you, significantly increasing your chance of surviving against one. A [[scroll of scare monster]] can also keep non-blinded minotaurs away, though be sure not to have other monsters [[burn]] it away from under you - they can also walk over the scroll when you are not standing on it. [[Boulder]] forts and [[acid blob]] formations can reliably keep a minotaur away while you prepare other counter-measures.
+Tools such as an [[expensive camera]] or a [[tooled horn]] are capable of scaring minotaurs, and the camera can additionally blind them - a blind minotaur is much less likely to hit a character, significantly increasing their chances of surviving against one. Standing on a [[scroll of scare monster]] can also keep non-blinded minotaurs away, though be sure not to have other monsters [[burn]] it away from underneath. [[Boulder]] forts and [[acid blob]] formations can reliably keep a minotaur away and grant a character time to prepare other counter-measures.
-If you have [[free action]], a thrown or (much preferably) wielded [[potion of paralysis]] can buy you approximately 3-12 turns to kill it, run away, or prepare some of the other options mentioned. If all else fails, zap yourself or the minotaur with a [[wand of teleportation]] and hope that you can avoid encountering it down the line before you are ready to take it on again.
+A [[potion of paralysis]] can buy characters that wield it with [[free action]] or throw it with high dexterity enough time to either kill a minotaur, run away or else prepare some of the other options mentioned. If all else fails, they can zap themselves or the minotaur with a [[wand of teleportation]] and hope to avoid encountering it down the line before they are ready to take it on.
 Beware of running into a minotaur during a [[dig for victory]], especially in the [[undiggable]] [[Castle]] maze.
@@ Line 54: / Line 58: @@
 ===As polyforms===
-Minotaurs are sometimes chosen as polyforms for their high speed and strength, though they cannot wear most armor save for [[helm]]s, and only cloth and leather helms can fit their head shape; they also lack other utilities such as [[flight]] or [[regeneration]], and are often passed over in favor of fellow nasties such as the [[master mind flayer]], who shares their natural AC of 0.
+Minotaurs are sometimes chosen as polyforms for their high speed and strength, though they can only wear [[gloves]], [[shield]]s and non-rigid [[helm]]s (e.g. [[elven leather helm]]s), and lack other utilities such as [[flight]] or [[regeneration]]. This means they are often passed over in favor of fellow nasties such as the [[master mind flayer]], who shares their natural base AC of 0.
 ==History==
-The minotaur appears in Hack121 and Hack for PDP-11, which are based on [[Jay Fenlason's Hack]], and is also included in the initial bestiary for [[Hack 1.0]]. From this version of Hack to [[NetHack 2.3e]], minotaurs use the {{white|m}} glyph; [[NetHack 3.0.0]] moves the minotaur to the {{white|H}} glyph. [[NetHack 3.0.5]] is the first version that makes minotaurs immune to Elbereth.
+The minotaur first appears in Hack 1.21 and Hack for PDP-11, which are based on [[Jay Fenlason's Hack]], and is also included in the initial bestiary for [[Hack 1.0]]. From this version of Hack to [[NetHack 2.3e]], minotaurs use the {{white|m}} glyph; [[NetHack 3.0.0]] moves the minotaur to the {{white|H}} glyph with the other giant humanoids.
-From NetHack 3.0.5 to [[NetHack 3.4.3]], including some variants based on these versions, minotaurs are also not affected by the scroll of scare monster. This behavior is explained in the following comment from the source code:<ref name="E">[http://unnethack.wordpress.com/2012/03/07/why-did-the-minotaur-cross-the-elbereth/ Why did the Minotaur cross the Elbereth? | UnNetHack & NetHack-De]</ref>
+[[NetHack 3.0.5]] is the first version that makes minotaurs immune to Elbereth, and from this version to [[NetHack 3.4.3]], including some variants based on these versions, minotaurs are also not affected by the scroll of scare monster. This behavior is explained in the following comment from the source code:<ref name="E">[http://unnethack.wordpress.com/2012/03/07/why-did-the-minotaur-cross-the-elbereth/ Why did the Minotaur cross the Elbereth? | UnNetHack & NetHack-De]</ref>
 <syntaxhighlight lang="c">
@@ Line 68: / Line 72: @@
    */</syntaxhighlight>
-As of [[NetHack 3.0.8]], it is impossible to produce a [[wand of wishing]] by [[polypiling]], and the note is removed in [[NetHack 3.1.0]]. The behavior remains unchanged until [[NetHack 3.6.0]] - as of this version, minotaurs respect scrolls of scare monster while the player is standing on the scroll.
+As of [[NetHack 3.0.8]], it is impossible to produce a [[wand of wishing]] by [[polypiling]], and the note is removed in [[NetHack 3.1.0]]. [[NetHack 3.6.0]] makes minotaurs vulnerable to the scroll of scare monster while the player is standing on the scroll.
-In NetHack 3.6.0 and previous versions, including some variants based on these versions, minotaurs are capable of being generated in the mazes within some versions of the [[Big Room]], as well as the Catacombs variant of [[Mines' End]]. This is fixed in [[NetHack 3.6.1]] via {{commit|32305ace5cfec0df0b88853c00d8b93fda787893}}, as it often constitutes severely out-of-depth monster generation.
+In NetHack 3.6.0 and previous versions, including some variants based on these versions, minotaurs are capable of being generated in the mazes within some versions of the [[Big Room]], as well as the Catacombs variant of [[Mines' End]] - both instances often constitute severely out-of-depth monster generation. This is fixed in [[NetHack 3.6.1]] via {{commit|32305ace5cfec0df0b88853c00d8b93fda787893}}.
 ==Origin==